Course Overview & Purpose
Ninth‑grade AVID is an elective, college‑preparatory course designed to support students as they adjust to high school, build foundational academic and personal skills, and prepare for college and career success. It emphasizes WICOR strategies—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—in a structured, supportive learning environment.
Key Goals & Skills Students Develop
Academic and personal goal‑setting: Students establish and monitor short‑, mid‑, and long‑term academic and personal goals, reflect on their progress, and write goal‑setting essays with projections and strategies for success.
Writing and communication: Emphasis on analytical writing, thesis development, structured essays, and effective oral presentations supported by feedback and revisions.
Study and organizational routines: Students refine essential study skills—note‑taking, test prep, binder organization, tutorial strategies, and using Focused Notes—within a consistent academic framework.
College and career readiness: This includes preparation for college entrance exams, research on colleges/careers, exploration of financial planning, and introduction to college‑going terminology and paths.
Collaboration & leadership: Students engage in collegial discussions, tutorials, group presentations, workshops, and presentations, building relational and leadership capacities.
Student agency and self‑advocacy: The course fosters self‑awareness, perseverance, responsible decision‑making, conflict resolution, and leadership skills so students can advocate for themselves and take charge of their learning journey.